SA homes on top list
SUPERIOR finishes, koi ponds and a rim-flow swimming pool are just some of the features that contributed to a luxury Ballito mansion ranking as one of the top eight homes in the world.
The R28 million Zimbali Coastal Estate property is one of two South African houses that made it on to the prestigious list of top houses in the 2017 HGTV’S Ultimate House Hunt.
The annual contest curates the world’s most stunning real estate listings.
The other South African home is situated on a private game reserve, in the Eastern Cape, and is worth R60 million.
The two South African mansions are among the list of luxury homes in Greece, Costa Rica the Dominican Republic, Canada, Malaysia and Switzerland which also made it on to the top eight list.
The list was compiled and released last week by Leading Real Estate Companies of the World and Luxury Portfolio International.
The Zimbali, Bali-style, home is currently on the market and is being sold by Jawitz Properties.
During the competition period, consumers had to vote for their favourite homes among 64 finalists in eight different categories.
The award-winning, fourbedroom home previously featured on entertainment show Top Billing, and is sized at 775m².
It comprises four bedrooms, en-suites, two living rooms and a double garage.
It’s also fully automated, with a theatre room and superior finishes throughout.
The listing was selected by editors of HGTV.COM as a finalist in the International Homes category, based on its extraordinary features and inspirational design, captured by striking photography. The competition focused on eight categories.
Kitchen and Dining, Modern Masterpieces, Kerb Appeal, Outdoor Retreats, Living Large in Small Spaces, Great Estates, Waterfront Homes and International Homes.
The Zimbali property, which belongs to retired physiotherapist Sonja Whittaker, took a year and eight months to build.
The construction began in 2010 and Whittaker moved into the home in 2012.
Metropole Architects conceptualised and designed the home.
Whittaker said she decided to sell the house because her son would be going to university next year, which left her all alone.
“It’s time to move on now. It’s a beautiful house, but it’s just not practical for me to live there on my own anymore.
“I’ve moved houses quite a lot in the past so there is no emotional attachment for me,” said Whittaker.
Nigel Tarboton of Metropole Architects, responsible for Making it into the top eight homes in the world, this R28 million Ballito home is a water-themed masterpiece (above and below). designing the house, said it was an honour to have the property ranked as a top home in the world and to put Durban in the spotlight.
He said the home had received international recognition after pictures went viral, and it was featured in several international magazines, blogs and on Top Billing.
Since then, he has been inundated with international requests to design homes throughout the world.
“We just completed a home in Israel and we are currently working on a home in Rwanda, which is one of our biggest homes.
“We’ve also received requests from other countries, including the US and New York in particular.
“These requests are because of the success of the Zimbali home,” said Tarboton.
Jawitz Properties deemed the listing as a great accomplishment for the property industry in South Africa.
“It is such a privilege to have been selected for such a prestigious title and category.
“The word ‘tranquil’ perfectly defines this property we are actively marketing, where water is a main component, cleverly poured into the design to create the illusion that each water feature runs into the next.
“Koi ponds run through the home covered with glass and meet the swimming pool with a number of overflows, creating a zen-like ambience synonymous with peace, which creatively complements the Bali-style architecture of the estate,” said Jawitz Properties’ Keith Brown.
Brown said the use of timber, stone and ample glass, in the structure of the home, optimised the surrounding views and neighbouring, natural forest.
“The home is beautifully bespoke, with all the latest features, making it a seamless blend of modern day living and leisurely luxury at its best,” said Brown.